Legal Resources for Maryland Nurses
Know Your Rights
Maryland law is on your side. Understanding your legal protections is the first step toward holding abusers accountable and reclaiming your dignity at work.
You Have More Protection Than You Think
Workplace abuse against nurses — whether physical assault, verbal harassment, threatening behavior, or discriminatory treatment — is not something you are required to endure. Maryland has enacted specific laws and regulations that protect healthcare workers, and federal law adds additional layers of protection.
This page is a plain-language guide to the rights you hold as a Maryland nurse. It is not a substitute for legal advice, but it will help you understand what qualifies as abuse, what your employer is legally required to do, and what steps you can take right now.
Maryland Laws That Protect Nurses
Maryland Nurse Practice Act (COMAR Title 10, Subtitle 27)
Governs the practice of nursing in Maryland and establishes standards of care. It also protects nurses from employer retaliation when they report unsafe conditions or patient care concerns to the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. §§ 8-101 et seq.
Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) Act
Requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, including violence. Hospitals and healthcare facilities must implement workplace violence prevention programs under MOSH regulations.
Md. Code Ann., Lab. & Empl. §§ 5-101 et seq.
Maryland Health Care Worker Whistleblower Protection
Protects healthcare workers who report patient abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions from retaliation by their employer. If you report abuse and your employer retaliates, you have a legal claim.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 19-1606
Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act
Prohibits workplace harassment and discrimination based on race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, and other protected characteristics. Verbal abuse tied to a protected characteristic may constitute illegal harassment.
Md. Code Ann., State Gov't §§ 20-601 et seq.
Maryland Criminal Law — Assault and Battery
Physical assault by a patient, visitor, or coworker is a criminal offense under Maryland law. You have the right to press criminal charges and to seek a protective order. Your employer cannot prevent you from doing so.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law §§ 3-201 et seq.
What Legally Qualifies as Workplace Abuse?
Not every difficult interaction rises to the level of legally actionable abuse — but many do. Here is what Maryland law and federal guidance recognize:
Physical Abuse
- Hitting, slapping, kicking, or biting by a patient or coworker
- Throwing objects at nursing staff
- Restraining or blocking a nurse's movement
- Any unwanted physical contact that causes injury or fear
Verbal and Psychological Abuse
- Repeated yelling, screaming, or threatening language
- Humiliation or belittling in front of colleagues or patients
- Racial, sexual, or discriminatory slurs
- Persistent intimidation or bullying by supervisors or peers
Sexual Harassment
- Unwanted sexual comments, advances, or touching
- Quid pro quo demands (favorable treatment in exchange for sexual favors)
- A hostile work environment created by sexual conduct
- Retaliation for rejecting sexual advances
Retaliation
- Termination or demotion after reporting abuse
- Shift changes, reassignments, or schedule manipulation as punishment
- Negative performance reviews following a complaint
- Exclusion from meetings, training, or advancement opportunities
Steps to Take After an Incident
What you do in the hours and days after an incident can significantly affect your legal options. Here is what attorneys recommend:
Document Everything Immediately
Write down exactly what happened — date, time, location, what was said or done, and who witnessed it. Use your own personal device or notebook, not a work computer. Include photos of any injuries.
Report to Your Supervisor or HR
File a formal written report with your supervisor or HR department. Keep a copy for yourself. This creates an official record and triggers your employer's legal obligation to investigate.
Seek Medical Attention
If you were physically injured, seek medical care and keep all records. Medical documentation is critical evidence in any legal proceeding or workers' compensation claim.
File a Complaint with MOSH or OSHA
If your employer fails to act, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health division or federal OSHA. Complaints can be filed online, by phone, or in writing.
Contact the Maryland Board of Nursing
If the abuse involves a licensed healthcare professional, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Board of Nursing. The Board has authority to investigate and discipline licensees.
Consult a Maryland Attorney
An attorney can evaluate your specific situation, advise you on your strongest legal options, and represent you if you decide to pursue a claim. Initial consultations through this platform are always free.
Retaliation Protections — What Your Employer Cannot Do
Maryland and federal law strictly prohibit employers from retaliating against nurses who report workplace abuse, file complaints, or cooperate with investigations. Retaliation is itself an independent legal violation — separate from the original abuse.
If any of these have happened to you after reporting abuse, you may have a retaliation claim in addition to your original abuse claim. Document the timeline carefully and speak with an attorney.
Your employer cannot legally:
- Terminate or threaten to terminate your employment
- Demote you or reduce your pay or hours
- Reassign you to less desirable shifts or units
- Give you negative performance reviews in response to your complaint
- Create a hostile work environment to pressure you to resign
- Report you to the Board of Nursing in bad faith as a form of retaliation
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Understanding your rights is powerful — but having an attorney in your corner is even more so. Connect with a licensed Maryland attorney today for a free, confidential consultation.
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